C-5 Substituted cytosine nucleosides

Abstract

C-5 Substituted cytosine nucleosides wherein the C-5 substituent is substituted alkyl, alkenyl or substituted alkenyl; and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, are useful as antiviral agents. A novel process for the preparation of the subject compounds is also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A compound of the formula ##STR9## wherein R o  is β-D-ribofuranosyl, β-D-2-deoxyribofuranosyl or β-D-arabinofuranosyl and R is selected from the group consisting of ##STR10## wherein R 1  is hydrogen; R 3  is hydrogen or methyl; R 4  is C 1-4  lower alkyl; R 6  is hydrogen; and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. 
     
     
       2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R o  is β-D-2-deoxyribofuranosyl. 
     
     
       3. A compound according to claim 2 wherein R 3  is hydrogen. 
     
     
       4. The compound of claim 2 which is 5-(ethenyl)-2'-deoxycytidine. 
     
     
       5. A compound according to claim 2, wherein R is allyl. 
     
     
       6. A compound according to claim 2, wherein R is 1-methoxyethyl. 
     
     
       7. A method of treating herpes simplex virus 1 in a host mammal afflicted with such infection which comprises administering to said host an effective amount of a compound according to claims 2, 3, 4, 5 or 5.